Vision and dyslexia

Problems with eye sight can greatly hinder a child’s progress at school, but these problems are not always resolved with ordinary glasses.

In recent years, “visual stress” has been identified as contributing to reading difficulties in many children and adults.

The condition, which is related to light sensitivity in disorders such as migraines and epilepsy, can be responsible for distortions on the printed page, especially when black print contrasts sharply with the bright white background of the page.

Visual stress can be a major part of the problem in poor readers including those who are labelled ‘dyslexic’. If visual stress can be identified and treated, any remaining difficulties become easier to deal with.

Visual stress can also cause headaches and eye-strain. It can do so not only in poor readers but also in those whose reading is otherwise normal.

Classic complaints are:

“Words are moving around on the page”

“When I read I get a headache”

“The words are blurred”

“The page is very bright and I cannot see the words properly”

“Reading hurts my eyes”

Lots of people found to be Visually Dyslexic have been highly talented, like Mozart, and Sir Anthony Hopkins. But if not dealt with, these sight difficulties can lead to a child being considered of low ability. The problem can make it hard for sufferers to concentrate, which in turn can lead to frustration and isolation.

At Chase Eyecare Opticians, we are specially trained to examine children and adults for Visual Stress and Dyslexia. Scientific research has shown that visual stress from reading can be reduced by colouring the page using spectral filters. The filters are either placed directly over the page (these are known as coloured overlays) or they are worn in spectacles (precision tints). The colour is specific to each individual and has to be specially selected.

What can we do?

Mr Puri says: “A child’s life can be horribly impacted by visual stress and dyslexia, so it is vital that assessment is sought immediately, allowing us to select the correct treatment. It is nothing for your child to be afraid of. We’ll give a full eye examination, followed by testing to select the appropriate tint. When the right tint is found, things suddenly become clearer and more comfortable – it can feel miraculous for the patient, especially is they have struggled for some time. If you notice your child regularly struggling to read, rubbing their eyes, becoming quickly tired and frustrated or complain about words moving, please contact us immediately.”

Took both my girls yesterday all staff very caring and make you feel very welcome.

We went for our first check ups at this optician and found them to be very informative, very helpful and all the staff were friendly and made us feel at home, even asking if we wanted a cup of tea, never had that before at any other opticians… there had been change in my prescription, which I was aware of, and I had help choosing new glasses, all the colours etc were explained in full, and I had the choice for extras, such as blue coat, ground down lenses etc. I love my new glasses, even though I had a bit of bother with the fit at first, the staff told me to come back if I had problems which I did, and they have altered everything for me till I was happy. My husband also had his eyes tested that day, he has diabetes and hadn’t had his usual check up, so when he was tested the optician found problems, the optician found my husband had diabetic bleeds in his eyes. The optician automatically referred him as an urgent patient to Burton hospital, and he was seen a week later, he has subsequently been through a lot of laser treatment, and the bleeds are stopped for now…we are thankful for the help chase eyecare gave us, and the continuing support with my husbands eyesight. I would recommend this opticians wholeheartedly, many thanks for your efforts.

Great independent opticians in Cannock!

When I booked in for my first sight test with Chase Eye Care, I was impressed with how thorough my heath check was and the friendly atmosphere. I have to have a complex prescription and am very conscious of the thickness of my lenses, but the staff went through all the options with me and previous to coming here, I wasn’t aware I could have my lenses made thinner! The staff were able to spend a lot of time with me and the optometrist even put contact lenses in for me so I was able to see what I would look like when I chose my glasses. I was as very happy with the services provided.